The Owl Explains Hootenanny

In this episode of the Owl Explains podcast, your go-to source for cutting-edge discussions on the world of blockchain and Web3, Thomas Tindermans (Hill+Knowlton Strategies), Norma Krayem (Van Scoyoc Associates) and Scott Mason (Holland & Knight LLP) are diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain policy, with moderator Emma Pike (Hill+Knowlton Strategies). Host: As blockchain technology continues to disrupt industries, revolutionize finance, and transform the way we interact with data, the importance of sound policy and regulation cannot be overstated. In this episode, we'll explore the current policy outlook for blockchain and beyond, shedding light on the regulatory developments that are shaping this dynamic ecosystem. Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast, a policymaker seeking insights, or simply curious about the future of blockchain, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned as we navigate the fascinating intersection of blockchain and policy in this ever-evolving digital era.

Join us as we explore the basics of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and how they work compared to traditional organizations. Our guests discuss the regulatory landscape, balancing decentralization with leadership, and the challenges DAOs face from a legal perspective. From liability concerns to the concept of a 'killswitch,' we'll uncover the intricate dynamics of DAO governance. Join Eugenio Reggianini, Joni Pirovich, John Yarwood, and Steve Wink as they unravel the complexities of DAOs and share insights into the future of effective regulation. Joni dives into the regulatory waters, probing the sentiment surrounding the current regulatory landscape for DAOs. How do these innovative entities navigate the evolving legal environment, and what implications does this hold for their future growth and adoption? The pendulum of decentralization swings wide, and we delve into its transformative arc with insights from our panel. From the European perspective, Eugenio weighs in on the significance of community identity within DAOs and its impact on governance dynamics.Legal challenges loom on the horizon, and Steve navigates us through the complex web of legal concerns that DAOs grapple with. He unpacks the liability issue and provides a glimpse into how these challenges might be met head-on. But what about the infamous 'killswitch' concept? John leads us through a thought-provoking discussion on implementing market halts during times of distress. Is it time to hit the brakes, or should we lay more groundwork before pursuing this ambitious goal?

AI is taking the world by storm, but the opaque nature of its algorithms has also raised concerns about the reliability and the fairness of the output it generates, as well as the potential for the technology itself to be used for malicious purposes. There is a trust issue for artificial intelligence which needs to be resolved – not only for ethical reasons, but also because regulators need to look into AI’s "black boxes" to understand how they work. Thanks to its transparent, open-source nature and its strong focus on auditability, blockchain has the potential to act as a decentralized, encryption-based guardrail for AI systems. Listen to Shawn Helms, co-head of McDermott Will & Emery’s technology and outsourcing practice, discuss the intersection of AI and blockchain with: Anne Gressel, Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton and member of its fintech and technology practice; Erwin Voloder, Head of Policy at the European Blockchain Association, and Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for Member of the European Parliament Axel Voss.

Blockchain still faces a number of different technology bottlenecks that are related to the complexity of its underlying infrastructure, its scalability, and the speed of its consensus mechanisms. Subnets are part of Ava Labs’ innovative approach to solve these issues. By taking a blockchain and splitting it into multiple parallel blockchains that operate at the same time and within the same ecosystem, subnets make it possible for anyone to create their own blockchain, tweak it to whatever project, and have it comply with possible any regulatory framework. Our wise owl Sylvia Sanchez, Product Manager at Owl Explains, talks with Connor Daly, Software Engineer at Ava Labs – also known as the man with the most cats in crypto – about the advantages of subnets, how easy and quick it can be to start one, and how they ultimately contribute to increasing further adoption and spurring further innovation. Plus, Connor gives us a glimpse into his pet feeding routines and his plans for enlarging the extended family to more foster animals.

Olta Andoni (General Counsel at Enclave Markets) spoke with Donna Redel (professor of blockchain and digital assets at Wharton) and Thibault Schrepel (professor of law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) on the growing interest from students in US and in Europe on Web3 technologies, and on how universities have been weaving new courses into their curricula. Our wise owls also discussed how furthering education can unlock new job opportunities within the industry, and help policymakers from both sides of the Atlantic work together to develop global, comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto.

Join us as Lee Schneider, chief Owl and General Counsel of Ava Labs, introduces the Tree of Wisdom - 5 branches to guide policymakers thinking about how to regulate blockchain and web3. Read more about the Tree of Wisdom here. The session will be moderated by Emma Pike of H+K Strategies.